Universities Key to National Security, Says Defence Minister
Oru Leonard
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, has underscored the critical role of Nigeria’s university system in strengthening national defence and building long-term strategic resilience.
Speaking at the Combined Convocation Ceremony of Akwa Ibom State University in Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, the Minister said the evolving nature of global threats has made education, innovation and human capital indispensable to modern security architecture.
General Musa noted that terrorism, cyber warfare and other asymmetric threats have redefined defence strategies in the 21st century, stressing that national security must now be knowledge-driven. According to him, universities are central to producing skilled manpower, advancing research and fostering the values needed for national cohesion and stability. “National defence today is not solely the preserve of the armed forces,” he said. “It requires a whole-of-nation approach in which our universities play a strategic role.”
He called for stronger collaboration between the defence establishment, government and academia to effectively respond to emerging security challenges.
The Minister also emphasised the need for sustained investment in education and for academic programmes to align with national security priorities, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and data systems.
General Musa further advocated structured partnerships between universities and defence institutions to build a modern, self-reliant and responsive national security framework.
He reiterated that safeguarding the nation is a collective responsibility that extends beyond the military to all sectors, especially education.
The Defence Minister also charged graduating students to embrace discipline, innovation and a strong sense of duty, urging them to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s stability, progress and prosperity.
